Review of Monster

Monster is I think one of the most underrated shows that is out there. Born from the mind of Naoki Urasawa, I think of it as like a treasure trove that a lot of people need to consider discovering. It has a very intricate and multi-faceted storyline layer that shows you the compelling ideation that were invested into creating this one. It's certainly a recommended watch. Animation (7.5/10) - Considering it was released in 2004, it has a quality that was not just distinct but also grand for its time. Soft colorings, distinct outline and movement draws especially on moving characters and still backgrounds, and anaccurate depiction of the German aesthete and its setting.

I wouldn't say it was horrible that it would hurt your watch but, one look upon it and you'll see "Ah, this is an old/classic anime." But even then it was one of the higher-end standards of its time. So big ups on that because its managing to withstand somehow the tests of time as the animation industry foregoes constant evolution.

Storyline (9/10) - Now the storyline it follows is one of the richer aspects this show has to offer. It offers critical moral dilemmas, slow unveiling mysteries, a tap into the human psychology and symbolism that all webs to the primary goal of the protagonist's pursuit on stopping the antagonist walk on becoming a ruthless, serial killer that destroyed a lot of lives along the way.

It also had a closed ending for each characters (albeit tragic or justified) that leaves no lose ends hanging for everyone in the story. I guess the sole complaint I have is its progression is a bit dragging and slow that prevents it on becoming a 10-piece work. But other than that, it was great in my opinion.

Music (7.5/10) - Monster's audio library consists of a rich mix of ambiance-based compositions that primarily serve in aiding the story's narrative buildup. Even for the OST and Closings. Primarily rooting on orchestra-style of music that has a versatile scope of either softening the scenes or planting darkened intensity; It kind of lacks in actual songs that has vocals nor lyrics but for what it is, they managed to make do once more of the available resources that they had making the best out of it.

In terms of sound design, it did a very good job making it EERIE for a horror/psychological series. Overall in terms of viewing experience, it did the most for the budget it was provided creating it. So props on that.

Overall - 8 out of 10